Podcast: Roundtable Talk

QUOTES

“The OGs of the internet really understand how to leverage technology to get the most out of it, but they also know when to turn it off. They’re the ones we should model when it comes to healthy boundaries and good engagement with technology.” (Ginna)

“People think older adults don’t know how to use technology. When you actually talk to them, they’ll be the first to say, ‘Why don’t you bring in a robot? Why don’t you use voice technology if it’s going to make life easier for the staff?'” (Ginna)

“Older adults see technology as an augmentation of what staff are already doing. I actually think the people preventing technology from becoming part of the ecosystem are often the staff themselves.” (Ginna)

“The reality is that older adults see the value of technology. If it’s easy to use and easy to adopt, they’re on it.” (Ginna)

“Gen X and younger baby boomers are the generation that’s exercising the most. They’re not doing chair yoga. They’re hiking five, ten, fifteen miles. They’re skiing. They’re living very active lives.” (Ginna)

“When I go on a senior living website, I don’t want to be overwhelmed by chatbots and pictures of everyone smiling. I want to know what your lifestyle is. What are you really about?” (Ginna)

“They like simplicity. They like elegance. Simpler is better—not because it’s for old people, but because it’s easier to find what you’re looking for. They hate clutter.” (Ginna)

“Technology is a means to the end. If it’s going to help me maintain my independence and still do the things I love in a different way, then that’s exactly how we should age.” (Ginna)

“I see AI as an assistant—a helper. It’s always human in the loop. You’re still in control, but AI gives you those little moments where you think, ‘Oh, I didn’t think about that.'” (Ginna)

“The whole idea of preventing a fall instead of waiting until someone needs help—that’s going to be a game changer.” (Ginna)

“The most successful senior living organizations won’t just operate inside their four walls. They’ll already be working with future residents in their homes years before they ever move in.” (Ginna)

NOTES

Ginna Baik is an aging technology strategist and consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations use technology to improve the lives of older adults. She previously served as Director of AgeTech at AOL and is a board member for LeadingAge California and Eschaton. Her work focuses on digital engagement, consumer experience, AI and helping senior living organizations prepare for the next generation of older adults.

Before joining AOL, Ginna held leadership roles at Amazon Alexa, HP and other technology organizations, where she focused on voice technology, connected living and digital consumer experiences. She is widely recognized as a leading voice in AgeTech and regularly advises senior living providers on technology strategy, AI adoption and consumer engagement.

Older adults are far more comfortable with technology than many organizations assume. Many were among the first internet users, adopted email decades ago and now use smartphones, online banking, travel planning and AI tools at rates much closer to the general population than stereotypes suggest.

Today’s active agers expect marketing that reflects how they actually live. Rather than showing passive lifestyles, organizations should emphasize adventure, lifelong learning, wellness and authentic community experiences that resonate with younger boomers and Generation X.

Senior living websites often overwhelm visitors with chatbots, floor plans and sales messaging before explaining the community’s lifestyle. Technology should personalize and simplify the experience rather than create additional friction.

The most successful technology feels natural and supports independence without calling attention to itself. Voice assistants, smart home features and AI should help people accomplish everyday tasks while allowing them to remain in control.

AI delivers its greatest value by removing friction from everyday life. Instead of replacing people, it should function as an assistant that anticipates needs, provides helpful suggestions and makes routine decisions easier.

Technology can play a major role in preventing falls, supporting aging in place and improving quality of life through smart homes, voice control and passive monitoring that respects privacy while helping older adults remain independent.

For senior living providers, one of AI’s biggest near-term opportunities is reducing caregiver documentation and administrative work, helping staff capture more accurate information, improve care plans and spend more time with residents.

The future of senior living extends beyond the walls of a community. The most successful organizations will begin building relationships with future residents years before they move in, using technology to support aging at home and create a seamless transition when additional care is needed.

QUOTES

“Daughtering is the often invisible emotional, mental, logistical and identity labor that women do in families to stay connected.” (Dr. Alford)

“Women are doing so much more than they realize until all of a sudden they feel burned out.” (Dr. Alford)

“It’s so important that we call the things we do by the right name. When I’m caring for my parents or interacting with them, I am daughtering them.” (Dr. Alford)

“Being a daughter is something we’re born into and something we remain until the day we die, even after our parents have passed. We can find beauty and honor in that role when we elevate it and talk about its intricacies.” (Dr. Alford)

“Two things can be true at the same time. It can feel like an obligation, and it can also be something you genuinely want to do.” (Dr. Alford)

“I call myself the cruise director. I’m noticing who is where, who needs what, who needs to calm down and who needs a little conversation in the bathroom so we can all get ourselves together.” (Dr. Alford)

“Daughtering is kind of like pennies in a fountain. Each act isn’t special on its own, but over time those pennies add up to something incredibly meaningful.” (Dr. Alford)

“We’re not stuck in the family patterns we inherited. I don’t have to do daughtering exactly the way my mom did.” (Dr. Alford)

“Sometimes the greater goal calls for a little bit of friction.” (Dr. Alford)

“We’re starting each day with our battery at 30 percent, then wondering why we feel overwhelmed, resentful or burned out.” (Dr. Alford)

“Create a rubric for what an A-plus-plus daughter would look like, then aim to be a B-plus daughter. A B-plus daughter is still a pretty dang good daughter.” (Dr. Alford)

“Just because you can see what needs to be done and you’d be good at doing it doesn’t mean it’s yours to carry.” (Dr. Alford)

NOTES

Dr. Allison Alford is a professor at Baylor University, researcher and author of Good Daughtering. Her work focuses on family dynamics, caregiving, gender roles and the often-overlooked emotional, mental and logistical labor adult daughters perform throughout their lives. She has spent more than a decade researching how daughter-parent relationships shape families and personal identity.

Good Daughtering is based on more than 10 years of research and conversations with hundreds of women. Dr. Alford wrote the book to make academic research on family relationships more accessible and to give daughters, siblings and spouses practical tools for understanding the often invisible work women perform within families.

Dr. Alford defines “daughtering” as the often invisible emotional, mental, logistical and identity labor women perform to stay connected with their families.

She explains that daughtering extends far beyond caregiving and includes four dimensions: acting, thinking, feeling and being, many of which happen behind the scenes and often go unnoticed.

She believes society lacks the language to describe the unique role daughters play, causing much of their work to be mislabeled, overlooked or viewed simply as an extension of motherhood.

Rather than striving to be a perfect daughter, Dr. Alford encourages women to define what “good daughtering” looks like for their own circumstances and aim for sustainable expectations that leave room for other priorities.

She compares daughtering to putting pennies into a fountain. Small, consistent acts of care may seem insignificant individually, but over time they build strong, meaningful relationships.

She emphasizes that healthy boundaries are essential and reminds daughters that just because they are capable of doing something doesn’t mean they are responsible for carrying every burden.

Dr. Alford encourages families to begin conversations about aging, caregiving and future preferences long before a crisis occurs, reducing stress and helping everyone make more informed decisions together.

She believes the strongest family relationships balance obligation with gratitude, recognizing that caring for aging parents can be both difficult and deeply meaningful at the same time.

QUOTES

“Our lives have become incredibly easy. If you can find these small, healthy ways to stress yourself, you’ll become more resilient long term.” (Chris)

“If I’m choosing to get into this cold water, I’m choosing to go for a run—whatever it is—that positive stress provides a lot of benefits.” (Chris)

“You may not necessarily enjoy doing the hard thing, but you’re always happy afterwards.” (Chris)

“The more hard stuff you do, the easier it is to do hard stuff.” (Chris)

“I think we sometimes limit ourselves as we age in terms of what we think we can do based on our prior experience.” (Chris)

“You don’t need confidence to take action. It’s the inverse. By taking action, we build confidence.” (Chris)

“The wisdom. That’s what I see in my parents and the people I know who are older. I love sitting with them, talking with them and seeing their perspective. The ability to see the bigger picture continues to build as we get older.” (Chris)

“We get set in our ways with our community. Then suddenly you find this new world, these new connections, and realize that’s something you still can do.” (Chris)

“Pick something that scares you and do it. The more you do that, the more of a habit it becomes. That novelty is what keeps us feeling like there’s another challenge ahead.” (Chris)

“Never underestimate yourself. I think especially as we age, it gets easier and easier to say, ‘That’s not something I can do anymore.'” (Chris)

“Recognize the value of relationships. The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized those long-term relationships are the ones you’ll really treasure.” (Chris)

NOTES

Chris Ballard is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author and longtime Sports Illustrated senior writer known for deeply reported stories about human performance, resilience and the psychology of achievement. His latest book, The Plunge, explores the physical and mental benefits of cold-water immersion through science, personal experience and compelling storytelling.

Sports Illustrated is one of the world’s most recognized sports media brands, known for long-form journalism, investigative reporting and award-winning storytelling. During his career there, Ballard has covered some of the biggest names and moments in sports while also writing books and features that examine performance, purpose and personal transformation.

The Plunge: Maverick Swimmers, An Unlikely Quest, and the Transformative Power of Cold Water was published in 2026 and follows a community of cold-water swimmers while examining the growing body of research around cold exposure, resilience and healthy aging. Ballard is also the author of The Butterfly Hunter, which explores people who found purpose by pursuing unconventional careers, and has written for National Geographic on healthy aging and lifelong fitness.

Cold-water immersion triggers an immediate stress response followed by a remarkable state in which the body becomes both highly alert and deeply calm. Repeated exposure may help reduce stress and improve resilience over time.

As people age, intentionally introducing small, healthy challenges—whether cold exposure, exercise or learning something new—can build resilience and improve both physical and emotional well-being.

Swimming is one of the best lifetime activities because it minimizes joint stress, improves circulation and cardiovascular health, and remains accessible well into older age.

Many older adults excel in cold-water swimming because life experience has strengthened their ability to persevere through discomfort. As Ballard learned from one athlete, “the more hard stuff you do, the easier it is to do hard stuff.”

One of Ballard’s biggest takeaways was that people often underestimate themselves as they age. Trying new experiences can reveal abilities and communities they never imagined possible.

Confidence doesn’t come before action. Instead, Ballard believes confidence is built by taking action first, even when the outcome feels uncertain.

Purpose becomes increasingly important later in life. Ballard found that joining a community, embracing shared challenges and maintaining meaningful relationships can provide direction, accountability and a stronger sense of belonging.

Ballard believes one of the best ways to continue growing is to regularly choose something that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Novelty and challenge help people stay engaged, adaptable and excited about what’s ahead.

QUOTES

“We’re trying to reduce confusion among consumers, and we’re trying to help reduce financial anxiety around this decision.” (Brad)

“If people are confused about senior living or have concerns about affordability, they’re not going to move forward. Those are the things that delay the decision process.” (Brad)

“People don’t often understand that two communities may look very similar but actually work very differently and may be priced very differently.” (Brad)

“It’s so important to think not just about today, but about the future. Not just what it costs today, but what it could cost over your lifetime.” (Brad)

“Moving to a life plan community used to be celebrated as the last move you’d ever have to make. Over the years, I think that almost became a negative because it felt like such a final decision.” (Brad)

“It’s more important than ever to spend time in a community before you move, getting to know residents and making sure it feels like the right fit.” (Brad)

“Caring for a loved one is a privilege, but you also can’t deny how incredibly difficult the caregiving role can be emotionally, physically and even financially.” (Brad)

“What’s really important to me in my life right now, and why? That’s the real starting point.” (Brad)

“Nobody just wakes up and says, ‘I’m going to go check out senior living today.’ Something has caused them to start looking, and that’s what you have to understand.” (Brad)

“We feel the sales counselor should be the best resource someone has in this decision—not just someone representing a community, but someone helping them find what’s truly best for them.” (Brad)

“People just want a place where they feel comfortable, can be themselves, live with people they like, get up every morning, get involved with something and just be happy.” (Brad)

“When I ask residents what they like most about living here, the most popular answer I get is, ‘The people.'” (Brad)

NOTES

Brad Breeding is founder of myLifeSite, author of the newly released Your Best Path Forward and a nationally recognized speaker on senior living decision-making. A former financial advisor, he has spent more than 15 years helping older adults and their families better understand senior living options, financial planning and the aging journey.

Read an excerpt of Your Best Path Forward on the Varsity website.

myLifeSite is a consumer education and financial decision-support platform focused on helping families navigate senior living with greater confidence. The company also partners with senior living organizations, providing educational content and financial planning tools that help prospects better understand their options while supporting community sales and marketing teams.

Before founding myLifeSite in 2011, Brad worked as a financial advisor, where he saw firsthand how difficult senior living decisions could be for families. His newest book, Your Best Path Forward, is the third edition of his longtime consumer guide and explores the many paths available for retirement living. 

myLifeSite’s financial tools, including MoneyGauge, are now used by hundreds of senior living communities to help prospects evaluate affordability, compare scenarios and reduce financial uncertainty.

Brad believes one of the biggest barriers to senior living is confusion. Consumers often struggle to understand the differences between community types, pricing models and industry terminology, making it difficult to compare options.

Many people focus only on what they need today, but Brad encourages families to think about what they may need years from now. The best decision balances current lifestyle with future health, care needs and long-term financial considerations.

Cost concerns are about more than affordability. Many prospective residents worry about how a move could affect their estate, inheritance or long-term financial security, making education and financial transparency essential.

Adult children play an important role in the decision process, but Brad believes planning ahead can reduce caregiving burdens. He encourages families to focus on what provides the best care and quality of life, rather than feeling obligated to provide every aspect of care themselves.

Brad says the search process should begin with self-reflection. Before comparing communities, older adults should identify what’s most important to them, what concerns they have and what peace of mind looks like in the next stage of life.

Rather than acting only as salespeople, Brad believes community sales counselors should become trusted guides who educate prospects, answer difficult financial questions and help people determine which option is truly best for them.

While amenities matter, Brad believes relationships matter more. Residents consistently tell him the people are what they value most, making community culture, resident engagement and a strong sense of belonging more important than luxury features.

Looking ahead, Brad sees wellness and technology becoming even more central to senior living. He expects communities to rely more on partnerships, concierge-style services and holistic wellness programming that deliver greater value while helping residents live healthier, more connected lives.

QUOTES

“Everyone is an oldster. We deal with aspects of physical and emotional aging all the time. It’s not just an old person thing.” (Sari)

“We live in an ageist, youth-obsessed culture driven by capitalism. There’s money to be made by making aging a problem that needs to be solved.” (Sari)

“There’s no going back. You’re going to leave some things behind. That anxiety has morphed into curiosity about what other people’s experience is of getting older.” (Sari)

“When we’re not looking at ourselves in a mirror, we have these ideas of who we are that are based on past versions of ourselves.” (Sari)

“The intergenerational conversation happening on Oldster is helping people feel less trepidatious about aging. It certainly has for me.” (Sari)

“People kept telling me, ‘My life took off at 60… 65… 70… 75.’ They found new partners, new careers, stopped caring what other people thought and started taking risks. That really comforted me.” (Sari)

“Whenever we can really exhibit humanity in its truest form, it’s good. It reminds people they’re not alone in their humanity or their messiness.” (Sari)

“I like myself better than I ever have because I’ve become more myself. I’ve stopped trying to be who I think other people want me to be.” (Sari)

“I’m really just shooting my shot, and it’s paying off. As I get older, more confident and more skilled, I’ll shoot even bigger shots.” (Sari)

“I would say to anyone who feels behind in life: You do you. It’s okay not to be on track with everyone else.” (Sari)

“There is so much possibility in getting older. That’s one of the best things I’ve discovered.” (Sari)

“There isn’t just one right path. If you really listen to yourself and be your true self, you’ll find your right path. It might not match other people’s, but it will take you where you belong.” (Sari)

NOTES

Sari Botton is a writer, editor and founder of Oldster, a Substack publication exploring the emotional, cultural and personal realities of aging at every stage of life. A longtime journalist and essayist, she has become a leading voice challenging traditional narratives around growing older through deeply personal storytelling and intergenerational conversation.

Oldster is a reader-supported publication on Substack dedicated to reframing aging as a lifelong experience rather than something that begins in old age. Through essays, interviews and community discussions, it brings together readers of all ages to examine identity, relationships, purpose, grief, reinvention and the many realities of getting older.

Before launching Oldster, Botton served as an editor at Longreads, where she created the “Fine Lines” series that inspired the publication. She also edited the bestselling anthologies Goodbye to All That: Writers on Loving and Leaving New York and Never Can Say Goodbye: Writers on Their Unshakable Love for New York. She is currently working on an Oldster anthology expected in 2027, with plans for a podcast and television series that will continue expanding the conversation around aging.

Botton believes aging doesn’t begin at a specific age. She argues that everyone experiences aging throughout life as they move from one stage to the next, continually leaving behind previous versions of themselves.

She says our culture’s obsession with youth has turned aging into a problem to be solved, often fueled by marketing that profits from people’s fears about getting older.

One of the greatest benefits of the Oldster community has been creating conversations between generations. Hearing older adults share stories about finding new careers, relationships and purpose later in life helped ease her own anxiety about turning 60.

Botton believes one of the most overlooked realities of aging is grief—not only over physical changes, but also over saying goodbye to earlier versions of ourselves, changing relationships and unrealized dreams.

She encourages anyone who feels behind in life to stop comparing themselves to others and recognize there is no universal timeline. Every person’s path unfolds differently, and authenticity matters more than keeping pace with peers.

Rather than presenting an idealized version of aging, Botton believes sharing the messy, imperfect parts of life helps people realize they aren’t alone and creates deeper human connection.

Looking back on her own journey, Botton says growing older has made her more comfortable with herself, more willing to take risks and more interested in pursuing new creative passions. She believes aging brings far more possibility than most people realize.

QUOTES

“We cannot educate our way out of what is a $200 billion-a-year fraud crisis.” (Kathy)

“These businesses are businesses. They are criminal businesses, but they run like a business. They have targets for their employees. They have bonuses for their employees. They have playbooks and very sophisticated scripts. They very much know what they are doing.” (Matt)

“The bigger problem with AI isn’t deepfakes. They’re using AI to harvest the immense amounts of data that have been put out there on the dark web about each of us through data breaches.” (Matt)

“The criminals have had the same playbook for thousands of years. They know what to do to get a person to bypass logic and react emotionally. Before, they didn’t have the technology to scale and perfect it.” (Kathy)

“We’ve been allowing ourselves to believe that it only happens to older people because there must be some cognitive decline or they’re not tech savvy. We were looking for reasons to blame it on older people. That’s not the reality. They’re targeting everybody.” (Kathy)

“They’ve basically taken the practices that banks taught consumers and turned them on their head. They’re saying, ‘We’re calling to be your friend and verify this transaction.'” (Matt)

“If the number calling you is not a number you know, that’s a red flag. Don’t interact with it. Even five seconds of engagement tells criminals you’re a valuable number, and it gets sold again and again.” (Kathy)

“Don’t be afraid to hang up and call back. Anytime something seems suspicious, weird or like you have to decide right now, slow down and verify it yourself.” (Matt)

“We all need to understand this happens to everybody. The smartest, most educated people get scammed because it’s not about intellect or education. It’s because the criminals have a playbook, and it works.” (Kathy)

“Whether it’s Nomorobo or another solution, absolutely you should have something on your phone to protect against those calls. Full stop.” (Matt)

“If you did four or five simple things today, you’d be ten times more protected than you were this morning. But it shouldn’t be our job to protect ourselves when this is the number one crime in the country.” (Kathy)

“You don’t know everything. When you don’t know everything, don’t be afraid to admit it and look for somebody who does.” (Matt)

NOTES

Kathy Stokes is director of fraud prevention programs at AARP, where she leads the organization’s Fraud Watch Network and national efforts to educate consumers, advocate for systemic change and support victims of financial fraud. She is a nationally recognized expert on fraud prevention, financial exploitation and consumer protection.

Matt Mizenko is general manager of Nomorobo, where he oversees technology that protects consumers and businesses from robocalls, spam calls and fraudulent text messages. With a background in software development and mobile technology, he has spent his career building products that solve complex technology challenges.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people as they age. Through its Fraud Watch Network, AARP provides education, fraud alerts, advocacy, victim support, a national helpline and volunteer-led outreach to help consumers recognize, avoid and recover from scams.

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network includes fraud fighter volunteers in every state, a dedicated helpline available to anyone regardless of age or membership, support groups for fraud victims and families, a scam tracking map, biweekly watchdog alerts and the award-winning The Perfect Scam podcast. The organization has also expanded its advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels to pursue systemic solutions to the growing fraud epidemic.

Nomorobo is a call-blocking technology company founded after winning the FTC’s Robocall Challenge in 2013. Its platform uses advanced analytics, audio fingerprinting and call screening to identify and block robocalls, spam calls and suspicious text messages before they reach consumers and businesses.

Nomorobo maintains a network of approximately 300,000 “honeypot” phone numbers that help identify fraudulent callers in real time. The company also partners with AARP to provide discounted protection for members while sharing intelligence about emerging scam tactics to improve consumer education and awareness.

Kathy says fraud has evolved into a global, organized criminal enterprise worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually and believes education alone cannot solve the problem.

Matt explains that modern scam operations function like sophisticated businesses, complete with employee targets, scripts, incentives and advanced technology.

Kathy notes that scammers rely on emotional manipulation rather than intelligence, using fear, urgency and surprise to push victims into acting before they have time to think logically.

Matt explains that AI is allowing criminals to gather and organize massive amounts of stolen personal data, enabling highly personalized scams that immediately establish credibility.

Kathy challenges the misconception that scams primarily affect older adults, arguing that criminals target anyone but often focus on older adults because they have accumulated more assets.

Matt encourages consumers to hang up, independently verify suspicious claims and never feel pressured to make immediate decisions during unexpected calls.

Kathy urges fraud victims to report incidents to law enforcement, emphasizing that fraud is a crime and that greater reporting helps illustrate the true scale of the problem while reducing the stigma victims often feel.

Both guests stress that consumers should use available call-blocking technology, remain skeptical of unsolicited communications and view fraud prevention as a shared responsibility among individuals, technology companies and policymakers.

QUOTES

“I do think that there is a greater ability perhaps to just sit back and enjoy a journey.” (Stuart)

“We’re living in a world of peaks. You go to see a Marvel movie and every five minutes there’s going to be some kind of crazy thing that stirs you and pumps you with adrenaline. Listening to great music is not that.” (Stuart)

“What we’re doing is creating a landscape of sound and intensity. Yes, you’re going to have your peaks, but then you’re going to have long periods of lulls that allow for the next peak to be something special.” (Stuart)

“I do think that as you get older, there’s a greater willingness to reflect on what it means to be alive, what it means to exist in this world.” (Stuart)

“There’s so much anger, so much infighting among groups and fighting with other groups that people are looking for ways to make sense of all of that. And at its core, that’s what art is attempting to do.” (Stuart)

“When you come to a concert, you’re being thrust together to experience something as a community — a kind of ad hoc community that will not exist again after this day.” (Stuart)

“Your presence, your energy, your focus is palpable. I can’t describe what it feels like, but I feel it.” (Stuart)

“When you’re at a concert, you’re actively engaged in the artistic endeavor. It’s not like we’re performing and you’re listening.” (Stuart)

“Don’t judge yourself based on other people’s perspectives. Know what you want, know what’s important to you, and pursue that.” (Stuart)

NOTES

Stuart Malina has served as Music Director and Conductor of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra for more than 25 years. A Tony Award-winning orchestrator and accomplished pianist, he is known for blending classical tradition with contemporary perspectives while championing the emotional and communal power of live music.

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest continuously operating orchestras in the United States, performing at the historic Forum Auditorium in downtown Harrisburg. The organization presents classical masterworks, pops concerts and educational programming while working to expand accessibility and deepen community engagement through live music experiences.

Malina won a Tony Award for his orchestration work on Twyla Tharp and Billy Joel’s Broadway production Moving Out. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with artists across multiple disciplines including dancers, actors and rock musicians. He also discussed the challenges of contemporary classical composition, the importance of exposing audiences to new music and the role arts organizations play in combating loneliness and fostering human connection.

Malina reflected on how audiences often develop a deeper appreciation for music and art as they age, citing patience, perspective and emotional openness as contributing factors.

He discussed how classical music differs from modern entertainment because it embraces emotional peaks and valleys rather than constant stimulation and adrenaline.

Malina described live performance as a shared community experience that cannot be replicated through recordings, emphasizing the energy exchange between performers and audiences.

He shared stories illustrating music’s profound effect on cognition and emotion, including experiences involving individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and developmental disabilities.

Malina explained how working on Broadway’s Moving Out expanded his understanding of artistry and deepened his respect for musicians, dancers and choreographers from outside the classical world.

He spoke about the importance of contemporary composers and challenged the notion that great music only exists in the past, arguing that today’s composers are creating work that will endure for generations.

Malina discussed how concerts and other live arts experiences can help combat loneliness by creating safe, communal environments where people feel connected through shared experiences.

QUOTES

“I eat, breathe, and sleep senior living. And so having a chance to have a conversation about where the industry is at, where we’re going, what’s working and what’s not is one of my favorite things to do.” (Steve)

“We’ve had the best occupancy that we have ever had in my lifetime.” (Steve)

“It’s all about the operator and how they run their business because it can be super successful or really, really tough.” (Steve)

“The word I would put to it is the word tentative — that we’ve kind of got something that works pretty well, the returns are pretty good, and there’s a lot of hesitancy to change anything because it’s sort of working.” (Steve)

“We don’t have a staffing crisis, we’ve got a culture crisis. As long as there are people who are willing to work at McDonald’s and Taco Bell and Starbucks, we don’t have a staffing crisis.” (Steve)

“When we create a great work environment, a place where people feel valued, where they love coming to work every day, where they’re feeling like they’re making a huge difference, they’ll tell their friends about it.” (Steve)

“I think to not post pricing is a huge, huge mistake.” (Steve)

“We need big, bold stories that should be told.” (Steve)

“We should be our worst critics. We should be saying, what is it that we’re doing wrong? How do we get this right? How do we do it better?” (Steve)

NOTES

Steve Moran is the founder and publisher of Senior Living Foresight, one of the most widely read media platforms in the senior housing industry. A longtime commentator and thought leader, Moran is known for his candid perspectives on occupancy, workforce culture, innovation, leadership and the future of aging services. At 71, he also brings the perspective of someone personally navigating aging and senior care decisions for his own family.

Senior Living Foresight is a media and thought leadership platform focused on the senior living industry. Through articles, interviews, podcasts and commentary, the organization explores challenges and opportunities facing operators, caregivers and residents. Recently acquired by Procare HR, the platform continues expanding its editorial reach while maintaining Moran’s independent voice and focus on improving the industry.

Moran discussed how the senior living industry is experiencing record occupancy levels, yet many operators still seem apprehensive, almost expecting another crisis around the corner after the lingering effects of COVID. He emphasized that success in senior living often comes down to operational leadership and culture, pointing out that some communities are thriving while others continue to struggle.

He expressed concern about increasing ownership by large investment groups focused primarily on short-term returns, arguing that this can limit innovation and resident-centered experiences. Moran believes many communities still operate as a “last resort” rather than a desirable lifestyle choice.

Drawing from his own experiences, Moran shared that today’s boomers may not be as different as many assume. While older adults want autonomy and meaningful experiences, they still share many of the same emotional and practical needs previous generations faced as they aged.

Moran argued that senior living communities often fail to give residents enough control over their own lives, using examples like residents battling management over choosing television programming in common areas. He believes future communities must empower residents rather than dictate daily experiences.

On staffing, Moran challenged the common narrative of a workforce shortage, saying the industry actually faces a culture problem more than a staffing crisis. He explained that organizations with strong leadership, meaningful work environments and supportive cultures consistently attract applicants and retain employees.

He stressed the importance of storytelling in both recruitment and marketing. According to Moran, operators need to tell compelling stories about how senior living changes lives for residents, families and staff members rather than relying solely on amenities and clinical messaging.

Moran also highlighted the emotional complexity families face when choosing senior living communities, drawing from his own experiences helping his stepfather transition through multiple communities. He believes operators need greater transparency around pricing, care expectations and the realities families may encounter after move-in.

Looking ahead, Moran sees technology, AI and robotics playing increasingly important roles in senior living, though he believes the industry still struggles with fragmented systems and implementation challenges. He also predicts that future successful operators will prioritize employees, listen more carefully to residents and families and create experiences that inspire genuine brand evangelism rather than simple customer satisfaction.

QUOTES

“One day I was young and I went to bed. I woke up. I was old. That’s how it happens. Suddenly, without warning, you’re there.” (J.J.)

“It was really a search for bold. I didn’t start it even as a book. I certainly didn’t start it with a whole pile of bold ideas. I had absolutely nothing.” (J.J.)

“Everybody’s got a story. Everybody’s got stuff. You can’t base a relationship on sharing your victim story, or at least not very long or successfully.” (J.J.)

“I think a thumbnail definition of bold is facing reality and stepping up and doing what you need to do.” (J.J.)

“Getting older is a very big deal. Anyone who says it happened in a different way or that getting old is no big deal is a liar, liar, pants on fire.” (J.J.)

“Humor is a powerful tool for talking about anything sensitive or difficult.” (J.J.)

“As long as you’re fighting the word old, you’re never going to move forward.” (J.J.)

“Every time someone dies, it’s like a small library burning down.” (J.J.)

“Fear of the future and longing for the past can keep you stuck in place.” (J.J.)

“The good news is your world can get bigger much faster than it took for it to shrink.” (J.J.)

“Nobody was going to rescue me. I had to make this happen.” (J.J.)

“Be careful who you invest time in. How many viable years do I really have left? I don’t have a lot of time to make big mistakes with.” (J.J.)

NOTES

J.J. Hubal is a bestselling author, cartoonist and former special education teacher whose work explores aging through humor, honesty and visual storytelling. Her book Goodbye Old, Hello Bold encourages readers to rethink aging, embrace change and approach later life with more curiosity, courage and self-awareness.

J.J. Hubal is the author of Goodbye Old, Hello Bold, a visually driven book that blends cartoons, essays and reflections on aging. Through humor and deeply personal observations, the book addresses topics like loneliness, grief, reinvention, friendship and resilience while encouraging readers to embrace the realities of growing older.

Hubal spent decades working as a special education teacher before fully embracing writing and cartooning later in life. She has published cartoons and essays for years, with many of her cartoons focused on aging, memory, relationships and the realities of later life. She currently lives in Savannah, Georgia, where she continues writing, drawing and speaking about aging, creativity and personal growth.

J.J. said aging often creates anxiety because people become overwhelmed by loss, change and unrealistic expectations about what later life is supposed to look like.

She described “bold” as facing reality honestly and stepping up to do what needs to be done, even when the actions are small or unnoticed by others.

J.J. explained that humor helps people approach difficult conversations about aging because cartoons and comedy create emotional distance while still communicating truth.

She shared that many of the cultural narratives around aging are shifting, including the growing acceptance of using the word “old” openly and honestly.

J.J. talked about how loneliness became a turning point in her own life and inspired her to actively seek new friendships, experiences and communities.

She discussed the importance of staying open to reinvention later in life and said even small steps, like attending an art class or joining a group, can dramatically expand someone’s world.

J.J. emphasized that many fears around aging stem from clinging too tightly to the past instead of creating space for new experiences, relationships and possibilities.

She encouraged people to think proactively about aging by preparing emotionally, socially and practically for future changes rather than waiting until challenges become crises.

QUOTES

“Our vision was very simple, and that was to help change the way we age. Sounds easy—lot harder, because virtually everything we do impacts the way we age.” (Colin)

“It will take you about 30 years to have an impact… and now, 25 years in, wellness is everywhere. Things take time to change.” (Colin)

“It’s about being engaged in life, in all areas of life… if you’re engaged, the ripple effect begins to happen.” (Colin)

“We are driving change as opposed to responding to it—and we’re speaking with our pocketbook.” (Colin)

“When you see aging as growth, everything changes. The world opens up to you as opposed to closing off.” (Colin)

“No one is guaranteed longevity. We need to earn it by living a better quality of life.” (Colin)

“If we don’t shrink the health span gap, all we’re doing is extending our life—and extending years of ill health.” (Colin)

“Put on your shoes and go for a walk… get out of the house and be curious about life, and a lot of other things begin to fall into place.” (Colin)

“Curiosity is the spice of life… everyone I’ve spoken with, that has been a key element in their success.” (Colin)

“Senior living communities should be centers for discovery.” (Colin)

“Two older adults have 70 to 75% of the disposable income—and yet marketers still overlook them.” (Colin)

“No two people age the same way or at the same rate… personalization enables people to embrace their potential.” (Colin) 

NOTES

Colin Milner is the founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and a leading voice in the global longevity movement. For more than two decades, he has challenged outdated perceptions of aging and advocated for active, engaged lifestyles at every stage of life.

The International Council on Active Aging is a mission-driven organization focused on helping older adults live better, longer lives. Through research, education and tools, ICAA supports senior living communities and organizations worldwide in advancing wellness, engagement and quality of life.

Founded nearly 25 years ago, ICAA operates in more than 50 countries and works with thousands of senior living communities. The organization provides research, benchmarking tools and guidance to help operators improve outcomes, including demonstrating the ROI of wellness programs through increased resident retention and engagement.

Milner emphasized that aging is not defined by decline but by engagement, and that staying active across physical, social and mental dimensions creates a ripple effect that improves overall well-being.

He noted that shifting perceptions around aging takes time, but meaningful progress has been made as wellness has become more widely accepted and integrated into everyday life.

Milner highlighted the critical gap between lifespan and health span, stressing that without improving quality of life, longer lifespans simply extend years of poor health.

He encouraged simple behavior changes like staying active and maintaining curiosity, pointing to curiosity as a key driver of long-term fulfillment and success.

He described baby boomers as a generation driving change, with higher expectations and greater willingness to spend on experiences and products that support quality of life.

Milner pointed out that older adults control a significant share of disposable income, yet are often overlooked by marketers due to persistent ageism and outdated assumptions.

He advocated for rethinking senior living communities as centers for discovery, where residents can continue exploring interests, building connections and redefining their capabilities.

He also stressed the importance of personalization in aging, noting that no two individuals age the same way and that tailored approaches are essential to helping people reach their full potential.